Nebraska National Forest

Replanting Our Nation’s Forests

Forest Overview

Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands is a unique area comprised of three grasslands, two National Forests, and the oldest federal tree nursery in the United States. The National Forest is a rare mix of ponderosa pine trees and native mixed prairie grasses within the Nebraska Sandhills and parts of South Dakota. The one million acre forest began in 1902 as an experiment and later turned into the largest hand-planted forest in the western U.S.

Nebraska National Forest Needs Our Help

During the last two decades, the Thayer Fire, Fort Robinson Fire, and Douthit Fire have claimed the majority of mature pine forest in this area of Nebraska. The future of this ponderosa pine forest is in jeopardy; without aggressive replanting efforts there will be no seed source to reestablish this unique ecosystem.

You can help repair damage to wildlife habitats. Read about our efforts in each and restore the awe-inspiring beauty of our state and national forests.